The Geisler Chronicles

Congratulations, Mr. Charnas!

By: Matthew Aljarbo

In case you were not aware, Mr. Craig Charnas was named this year’s “Teacher of the Year” for Geisler Middle School. He was recognized at a December staff meeting here at GMS and then at the January Board of Education meeting.

Mr. Charnas has been teaching for the past eighteen years, all of those years being at Geisler, teaching 7th and 8th grade math and science. When he was named “Teacher of the Year”, Mr. Charnas said, “I was actually real surprised...I work with so many great teachers here. It could have been almost anybody in the building.” His favorite part about teaching would be the interactions with his students and seeing how they could learn and improve from the beginning to the end of the year.

For those students in his classes, Mr. Charnas has a goal for them: “enjoy what [your] learning and look forward to coming to school everyday,” in addition to learning the material. He also believes that it is important for all teachers to be able to interact and form relationships with their students.

The Geisler community is also very happy for Mr. Charnas as well. Mrs. Bacon, Building Sub, said “I am so thrilled that Mr. Charnas won ‘Teacher of the Year’ because he is creative, confident, he is an amazing teacher...When you walk into his classroom there’s just a positive energy and he explains things in such a way that’s understandable for all of his students.” Mrs. Haddad, ESL Para, said “Mr. Charnas deserves winning ‘Teacher of the Year!’... I feel that the kids understand what he explains very well and the kids love it.”

Mr. Charnas receives his Teacher of the Year award from Mr. Gutman, Superintendent, at the January Board of Education meeting.

Basketball Team Eyes New Uniforms

By: Matt Hrobsky

With the winter I sports season in full swing, it won’t be long before the winter II season begins. One of those sports includes 7th & 8th grade girls basketball. The season has not officially started, but the girls basketball team is working hard to raise money for new uniforms. The reason is that for the past 10 years, in order to save money, the boys and girls basketball teams have used the same uniforms.

This may not seem like a big issue for some, but the problem is that the uniforms were really big on the girls as they were a boys cut so it was very hot to play in and it wore them out quick due to the numerous layers of clothing girls wear to play. That is where 8th grade student Lilley Aoude steps in. For many years, she has donated a portion of her Christmas money to support local causes. This year, the girls basketball team is the focus for Aoude’s giving to be able to empower the team to have their own set of uniforms in GMS history. Additionally, she is doing this in memory of her grandfather who passed away earlier this year. He was Lilley’s number one cheerleader. So she worked with Ms. Kalahar, one of the coaches for the girls team, and they were able to find some uniforms for not a whole lot of money made for girl players.

The team needs to raise about $1,900 and to help fundraise, the team is hosting a fundraiser at Wings, Etc. on Dec. 20 from 11am to 11pm, and they will donate 15 % of all the sales to the team. Guests will need to present a flyer (found on page 2) to their server for the fundraiser to go towards the team. A GoFundMe page has also been set up as well for those wanting to support the team’s cause.

Introducing State Rep. Kennedy

By: Abby Selecman and Michaela Willingham

As you are probably aware, our principal Dr. Sheryl Kennedy was running for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 48th District (which represents Genesee County residents) and successfully won her seat on the November 6th election. Have you wondered what Dr. Kennedy would do in office? Would our beloved principal leave forever? Who would continue as principal of Geisler Middle School? If any of these thoughts came to you head then we have answers to possibly all of your questions in this article. We interviewed Dr. Kennedy about some of the thoughts going through our heads.

Q: Why did you decide to run?

A: “Because I think our state has to give our schools enough money, and there aren’t many teachers or principals running in Lansing.”

Q: What kind of things will you do?

A: “I will make laws, work with other communities to solve problems, and work with the governor.”

A: “I don’t know yet, but there will be a parent meeting about it soon. (Walled Lake Schools has scheduled a parent meeting on Monday, November 26th at 6pm in the media center to allow the GMS community to provide input for qualities that want to see in the next principal of Geisler Middle School.)

Q: Who are your role models?

A: “I have lots of teacher models and other women in leadership. I try to follow good people that help the community.”

Q: Who do you want to thank for helping you get where you are?

A: “I would like to thank our teachers, Mr. Pipkin and other people in the election.”

Dr. Kennedy standing with her predecessor for the 48th District seat, Pam Faris.

Welcome to the Wolf Pack!

There are several new faces joining the Wolf Pack this year. We have about 5 new teachers joining us and a slew of new students as well. We had a chance to talk to some of our new teachers.

Madame Klotz - By: Sarah Palushi

Bonjour! For anyone not taking French, Geisler has a new member of the Wolf Pack, Mrs. Klotz! This is Mrs. Klotz’s first year here at Geisler. Not only does she teach French at Geisler, but she teaches French at Walled Lake Central High School as well! Before Geisler, Mrs. Klotz lived in Maryland for 7 years, and has been living in Michigan for 2 years. Mrs. Klotz has taught at Romulus Middle School, Clarksburg High School, and Dumbarton Middle School. She has a 11/2 year old son, and will have a new addition to her family, due on December 25, 2018.

Mrs. Klotz has only taught French, but if she could teach anything other than French, it would be P.E. Some sports she favors are baseball, softball, running, and she used to do gymnastics “ages ago.” She loves Geisler, and thinks the kids here are awesome and excited to learn, and is planning on staying here next year! So stop by to room 224 and say hi to Mrs. Klotz. Au revoir!

Mrs. Reeves - By: Nalani Johnson

There is another English teacher that has joined the GMS team, and that would be Mrs. Reeves! She comes to us from Pleasant Lake Elementary where she taught first grade. Despite spending many years at the elementary school, she knew she had to return to the middle school to teach. One of things why Mrs. Reeves wanted to work at Geisler is the fact that her children attended Walled Lake Western High School and lives in the area. And so far, Mrs. Reeves is loving it here.

Teaching is Mrs. Reeves’ second career. Previously, she was an accountant. While her children were growing up, she wanted to be able to help her children learn.

In her free time, Mrs. Reeves enjoys spending time with my ever-growing family (all 3 daughters are married and we now have two beautiful grandbabies) and friends, biking, swimming, and camping.

“I am so excited to be working here this year is going to be a great year,” Mrs. Reeves said.

Mrs. Klotz

Mrs. Reeves

Stay tuned to our next issue to learn more about our other new teachers and students!

Made with the new Google Sites, an effortless way to create beautiful sites.